Kobe Not Sure He’ll Be Ready for 2013 Opening Games

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kobe Bryant isn't sure he'll be ready to play when the Los Angeles Lakers open the season on Oct. 29, although he remains ahead of schedule in rehabbing his surgically repaired Achilles' tendon.

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Bryant turns 35 next week and he vows that his 17-year career is "definitely not over."

He made his comments to late night host Jimmy Kimmel during "Kobe Up Close," a one-on-one conversation with the NBA superstar on Thursday night at Nokia Theatre across from Staples Center.

The 7,100-seat venue was full of Bryant's fans that cheered, jeered and interrupted freely during the one-hour program. Ticket proceeds benefited the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation, which works to help end homelessness.

Among the famous faces in the audience were Lakers owners Jeanie and Jim Buss, Hall of Fame baseball player Dave Winfield and former NFL receiver Terrell Owens.